Indiana

Indiana AgrAbility, the Indiana Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, and Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation continued their series of veteran outreach workshops with two July programs in opposite corners of Indiana. On July 2, the team partnered with the Ivy Tech Community College agriculture program to host a farmer veteran workshop in Fort Wayne. Then, on July 15, Purdue Extension agricultural educators in far southwest Indiana hosted veterans at the Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds near Evansville, Indiana.

At each program, veterans learned about veteran opportunities in agriculture, the AgrAbility program, the Indiana AgVets project, USDA veteran initiatives, and the Farmer Veteran Coalition. In addition, Purdue Extension educators shared about services and resources offered by Extension. At the Fort Wayne workshop, the group enjoyed a tour of the Ivy Tech agriculture facilities and greenhouse operation, which was led by greenhouse manager and Indiana AgVet participant Jamie Perry. Evansville participants were treated to a great presentation on soil health by Purdue agronomist and veteran Joe Rorick, as well as an overview of USDA incentive programs from local FSA and NRCS staff. Perhaps most importantly, each program included plenty of networking, sharing, and interaction among the veterans, AgrAbility staff, Extension personnel, and other presenters.

These workshops followed similar programs held in October 2020, January 2021, and April 2021 at other locations throughout the state. After so many Zoom meetings and online programs over the past year, the chances to get together in-person have been enjoyed by participants, staff, and speakers alike! Additional veteran-focused gatherings are planned for the fall months at various locations in Indiana.

Submitted by Ed Sheldon